The first markdowns at the Barneys Warehouse Sale has already started… I found out tonight when I popped into the space in Chelsea.  A staffer told me that they began offering further discounts on Sunday when they were open for four hours after Hurricane Irene moved north.

The first markdowns at the Barneys Warehouse Sale has already started… I found out tonight when I popped into the space in Chelsea.  A staffer told me that they began offering further discounts on Sunday when they were open for four hours after Hurricane Irene moved north.

As you can see from the list, women’s shoes, accessories, ready-to-wear and “red” stamped designer pieces are an additional 25 percent off.  You get an extra 40 percent off lingerie, swim, Chelsea Passage and childrens.  As for men, an extra 25 percent is given for sportswear, outerwear, dress shirts, neckwear, accessories and more.  While 40-percent off the sale price is given for casual pants, sneakers and underwear.  No further discounts on suits other than the “yellow” tagged merchandise.  Check out the entire list for a better look.

I noticed that the selection for women’s designer clothing has dwindled even further from the limited selection it began with.  There’s still lots of ready-to-wear hanging on racks.  I only had time to survey the shoes… where the shelves appeared to be stacked full of a so-so selection (not a lot of high-end designer footwear and plenty of past season overstock).  I did spot quite a few Lanvin wedges ($426) in size 7, Lanvin heeled sandals ($449), Isabel Marant flat sandals $164, Alexander Wang wedged sandals ($201) and a couple of pairs of Manolo Blahniks in 71/2 ($374).

Another update the staffer mentioned is that the sale has been extended through Wednesday Sept 7th.  If you’re waiting for deep discounts, that’s probably going to happen over this Labor Day weekend when it will likely be a madhouse… Overall, I just wasn’t impressed with the women’s selection for shoes, bags and designer wear this time around.  But if you want to find the best deals, go during the last days… that is if you can handle the insanity.

Where/When:  255 West 17th St (b/w 7 & 8th Ave).  212-450-8400.  EXTENDED THRU SEPT 7th.  Wed Aug 31 (10-9p), Thur Sept 1 to Fri Sept 2 (9-9p), Sat Sept 3 to Sun Sept 4 (9-8p), Mon Sept 5 to Wed Sept 7 (9-7p).

At up to 60-percent off the retail [...]]]> Through this Sunday, Tibi is hosting a swimwear sample sale online.  There’s plenty of summer left and if you’re looking to update your beachwear, check it out.  We found tons of two-pieces, one-pieces, coverups and beach dresses in the label’s iconic prints and solids.

At up to 60-percent off the retail price, here are some of the pieces we found:   the Kamara string halter is now $38.80 (was $97) with matching boyshort at $45.20 (was $113); the Kamara one-piece is now $81.20 (was $203), a solid one-piece is $87.20 (was $218); the Seahorse shirred bandeau is $52 (was $104) and the matching string bottom is $49.50 (was $99); the Sting Ray bustier top is $56.50 ($113) with matching boyshort at $56.50 (was $113); the Sierra petal sleeve dress is $124 (was $248); the jersey flutter sleeve dress is $75 (was $150).

The sale ends this Sunday July 17th.  To access the deals, you’ll need to enter you’re email address on Tibi’s e-commerce site.

Yesterday, Barneys began it’s final reductions for the summer before its Warehouse Sale which is due to take place next month…  Sale prices for selected items have now been slashed down to 75 percent off retail.  Yesterday, I checked out the store on Madison Avenue to find out what was left [...]]]>

Yesterday, Barneys began it’s final reductions for the summer before its Warehouse Sale which is due to take place next month…  Sale prices for selected items have now been slashed down to 75 percent off retail.  Yesterday, I checked out the store on Madison Avenue to find out what was left since not everything is online.  I concentrated on shoes and handbags because a girl can’t get enough of both…at least this girl!

I scoured the contemporary and designer shoe departments and found plenty of summer sandals (strappy heels and flats).  The sales folks confirmed that they began another round of markdowns Thursday.  From what I could tell, a majority of the shoes are about 60-percent off right now.  I couldn’t find any at the 75-percent reduction.

The discount (60-percent off) is pretty much the same for handbags… I spotted a number of Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Jil Sander, Nina Ricci, Henry Cuir, and a few Thakoon (which actually was discounted down to 75-percent off).

If you do stop in, make sure to check with the sales associates about the final price because some of the labels have not been updated.

Where/When:  Barneys, 660 Madison Ave (at 60th Street).  212-826-8900; 116 Wooster St. (b/w Prince & Spring) 212-965-9964; 2151 Broadway (b/w 75th & 76th St). 646-335-0978.   Online.

The legendary Italian lingerie label La Perla is known for its well-made sexy lacy lingerie.  If you own a few pieces, you’ll know that it’s well worth the high-end price.  But why pay retail when you can stock up at the brand’s sample sale which runs through this Thursday.  The sale [...]]]>

The legendary Italian lingerie label La Perla is known for its well-made sexy lacy lingerie.  If you own a few pieces, you’ll know that it’s well worth the high-end price.  But why pay retail when you can stock up at the brand’s sample sale which runs through this Thursday.  The sale started on Sunday when I was expecting a massive line but was surprised to find a fairly manageable sale.  Not as crowded as previous sales.

Signature lace bras and underwear (as well as basics) are all in bins organized by size.  You’ll also find lingerie, loungewear, sleepwear, swimwear and ready-to-wear hanging on racks.  The pricing is posted on the walls but can be a bit confusing.  If you’re unsure, just ask as sales associate.  They were very helpful when I needed help.  Here’s a rundown on the pricing:

Bras: La Perla, Black Label, Villa Toscana is $80 or 2 for $140; Malizia, Studio and Glamour is $50 or 2 for $90; Basics (men & women) and Occhi Verdi is $20 or 2 for $30.

Underwear:  La Perla, Black Label, Villa Toscana is $50 or 2 for $9; Malizia, Studio and Glamour is $30 or 2 for $50; Basics (men & women) and Occhi Verdi is $10.

As for other merchandise – baby dolls and chemises are $80 and $110, silk gowns, robes and PJs are tagged at $90 and $130, tees & tanks are $20, RTW is 75% off the retail price.  Check out the photos of price lists for more on the savings.  I’m told that they will be restocking on some merchandise.  Also, a sales associate tipped us off that they are likely to slash prices on the last day.

Where/When: 225 Fifth Avenue (b/w 26^th & 27^th Sts).  June 12 to June 16.  Sun (1-5p), Mon-Wed (9:30-6p), Thurs (930-7p).

Another big sale to hit today is the Mara Hoffman sample sale in Nolita.  While waiting in line at the register, one of our readers just sent us her review and a photos (including one of the $5 swimsuit bin).  “P” tells us she took the day off to go to [...]]]>

Another big sale to hit today is the Mara Hoffman sample sale in Nolita.  While waiting in line at the register, one of our readers just sent us her review and a photos (including one of the $5 swimsuit bin).  “P” tells us she took the day off to go to this sale.  If you’re a fan of the brand, you should head over there quickly.  She reports that bargains are going fast and many pieces are already picked over:

…There are definitely some good deals to be had, but somehow everything I picked up was in the $150 -$200 range. Beach cover ups are my particular weakness though. Lots of good deals on suits ($5, $10, $20 and $40 bins). Past season cover ups and dresses are obviously cheaper starting at around $50. Current season is more like $100+. There are also a surprising number of current season basics (black silk pants, plain pencil skirts and tanks) for around $50.

When they opened the sale this morning, it reminded me of the running of the brides event. The racks are decimated and they are not restocking.  I’d come by if you are looking for a swimsuit or if you’re a big Mara Hoffman fan, otherwise I’d guess pretty much all the good deals are gone at this point.

Where/When: 236 Elizabeth St., nr. Prince St.; June 10 to 12. Fri (11–8), Sat (11–7), Sun (noon–5).

The Diane von Furstenberg sample sale opens to the public tomorrow.  This morning, the sale’s preview kicked off with a handful of the label’s “friends & family” waiting in line just after 9am.  If you want to try your luck today, be warned:  sale organizers were checking a list when I [...]]]>

The Diane von Furstenberg sample sale opens to the public tomorrow.  This morning, the sale’s preview kicked off with a handful of the label’s “friends & family” waiting in line just after 9am.  If you want to try your luck today, be warned:  sale organizers were checking a list when I stopped in this morning.  However, in the past, they have allowed anyone to come in later in the day…

Like in the past, the sale offers a wide selection of goods:  regular dresses and jackets ($125); wrap & vintage dresses ($150); sweaters, blouses, skirts & pants ($80); scarves are $65 (check out our gallery of photos which includes the full price list).

At the back, near the dressing rooms, you’ll find three full racks of samples going for $50.  I had a quick look but wasn’t really impressed with the sample offerings so I checked out the stock merchandise instead.  I must say pretty enticing. I spotted tons of great colorful spring dresses and blouses in signature DVF prints, perfect for the summer months ahead.  Also up for grabs are fun sweaters and knits.  The handbags ($225 and $325) appeared to be popular with shoppers… great deals on totes which were tagged at $35.  It wasn’t an hour into the sale and already the small sizes were being depleted.  I overheard the sales associates saying that they had to bring up their reserves from downstairs to fill the empty racks.  Good news, tho, they mentioned that a new shipment is expected for tomorrow.   Sale goes through this Friday… traditionally, they slash prices closer to the end date.  But with all the fabulous frocks on offer, you may not want to wait.

Where/When:  260 Fifth Ave., nr. 28th St.; June 7 to 10. Tue (9–6:30p), Wed (10–8p), Thurs (10–7p), Fri (9–3p).

Just in time for the summer days at the beach, the luxury men’s swimwear label, Robinson Les Bains is hosting a sample sale which ends today at 6pm.  Since today is the last day, they’ve slashed sale prices.  Here’s examples of what you can find:  the swimShort Oxford is now $90 [...]]]>

Just in time for the summer days at the beach, the luxury men’s swimwear label, Robinson Les Bains is hosting a sample sale which ends today at 6pm.  Since today is the last day, they’ve slashed sale prices.  Here’s examples of what you can find:  the swimShort Oxford is now $90 (was $320), the swimShort Cambridge is now $60 (was $245), and the swimBrief Yale is now $40 (was $140).  The folks at the sale sent us photos… check them out and swing by if you’re in the market for swim trunks.  You only have a few hours…

Where/When:  393 Broadway (b/w Walker & White), 2^nd Floor.  CASH ONLY.  Thru June 3^rd. (11-6p).

I don’t know about you, but it’s been really tough trying to keep up with all the sample sales this week.   Another one worth checking out this weekend is the VPL sample sale where designer Victoria Bartlett’s coveted underthings and luxe RTW are discounted up to 75 percent off.

I don’t know about you, but it’s been really tough trying to keep up with all the sample sales this week.   Another one worth checking out this weekend is the VPL sample sale where designer Victoria Bartlett’s coveted underthings and luxe RTW are discounted up to 75 percent off.

I made a quick stop earlier today to check out the offerings.  They include a couple of racks of actual samples such as slouchy open-back knits for under $100, skirts and athletics-inspired bottoms for under $100, dresses at $70, breaker tanks for $50 and more.  Special bins offer $10 to $30 undies and bras.  There are also swimwear (starting at $30 for bottoms and $54 for the top). A few runway shoes are tagged at $125.   Current season pieces are 50 percent of the ticketed price. The Opposites Poncho (sweater) is now $106 (was $265) and the DBP Skirt is $ 118 (was $295).

Where/When: VPL Showroom, 5 Mercer Street (at Howard Street); 646-912-6141.  May 20 to 21.  Daily (10-7p).

At this point, many of you have already read Racked and Mizhattan’s reviews of the Jil Sander sale, which was suppose to be ‘invitation only.’ At least that’s what the invitation said when they emailed them last week, informing those on the list about the 9-day sale which started yesterday.  I [...]]]>

At this point, many of you have already read Racked and Mizhattan’s reviews of the Jil Sander sale, which was suppose to be ‘invitation only.’ At least that’s what the invitation said when they emailed them last week, informing those on the list about the 9-day sale which started yesterday.  I breezed in just after 10am (no line) Wednesday morning and the security guard did check to see if I had an invitation (which I did).  Reportedly, they stopped checking invitations later in the day.  Not long after I got in, a line had formed outside the label’s showroom on Crosby Street near Howard.  A friend was waiting in line reporting that they were only letting in a couple of folks at a time – an excruciating wait for her and others.

While inside, I didn’t have much time so I focused on the handbags and footwear.  Since most of the clothing appeared to be pieces from the label’s fall collection (coats, jackets, wool pants and sweaters), I decided not to waste my time looking through the racks.  Almost everything at the sale is 80 percent off the retail price. There are some previous season clothing and footwear that are going for 90 percent off the tagged price.

I must say:  they had an amazing handbag selection toward the back of the showroom where a couple of sales associates were helping customers with the different styles (they told me they had more of some styles in the back).    That’s where I spent most of my time – trying to decide which bag I was going to walk out with.  I spotted a number of the Madame cutout leather shoulder bag in different colors (navy, light taupe and white) going for $339 (was $1,695).  They also had other shoulder bags (large & small), totes, cross-bodies, clutches and wallets.  At 80-percent off, I found great deals such as a really large black hobo for $260 (was $1,295), a small black plain shoulder black for $195 (was $995), a small taupe sleek rectangular shoulder bag (with gold metal hardware) for $199 (was $995), coin purses at $27 (was $135).  As for footwear, there were pumps, flats, strappy heels, sandals to be had for $120 or less.  A pair of knee-length leather boots were going for $250.  While the prices are pretty good at this sale, they’re not as good as the last one held back in December where everything was 95-percent off!  Maybe we’ll see that kind of discount in the last days of the sale next week… when I’ll be back to check.

Where/When:  Jil Sander Showroom, 8 Crosby St. 4th Floor (near Howard).  212-447-9200.  April 20 to April 22 and April 25 to April 30 (10-6p).